1. The Reign of Vespasian - Imperial Coins
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RIC N/A Obverse BrockageAR Denarius, 2.92g
Rome mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Incuse of obverse
RIC -. BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, December 2017.
Based on style and obverse legend this brockage is from Vespasian's first denarius issues at Rome. David Atherton
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RIC 1581 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Quadrans, 2.23g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: DOMIT COS II; Winged caduceus
RIC 1581 (R2). BMC 885. BNC 902. RPC 2005 (2 spec.).
Ex Sol Numismatik Auction XI, 4 March 2023, lot 150.
An extremely rare orichalcum quadrans struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. Earlier scholarship catalogued this variety as a semis, however, the new RIC classifies it as a quadrans. Interesting to note Domitian's name only appears on the reverse.David Atherton
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RIC 1580 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 5.32g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1580 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2004 (7 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, April 2023.
Traditionally, the remarkable bronze issue this rather odd semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey in the unpublished RIC II.1 Addenda wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4. The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).'
Here we have a semis struck for Domitian Caesar featuring Antiocha on the reverse. I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The type was struck for all three Flavians.David Atherton
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RIC 1579 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 5.54g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 1579 (C). BMC 884. BNC -. RPC 2002 (12 Spec.).
Acquired from André Cichos, eBay, June 2023.
A some-what mysterious orichalcum as struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage, despite the 'Eastern' flavour of the reverse designs. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. This example with left facing portrait is supposedly more common than the right facing variety, although it too is infrequently seen in trade. Missing from the Paris collection.
David Atherton
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RIC 1578 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 4.57g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 1578 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2003 (0 Spec.).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, January 2020.
An extremely rare orichalcum As struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage, despite the 'Eastern' flavour of the reverse designs. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. This particular As featuring a right facing portrait is rarer than the much more common left facing portrait. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
Beautiful patina and fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 1577 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] MuleÆ Quadrans, 3.02g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P M TR POT P P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1577 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2000 (0 spec.).
Ex Savoca Blue 157, 26 February 2023, lot 932.
A mule from the Rome mint's 'Eastern series' combining a Titus Caesar obverse with a reverse intended for Vespasian. Although extremely rare, a sufficient number of these mules survived antiquity to warrant their own RIC catalogue number. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. David Atherton
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RIC 1574 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 3.31g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T•CAES•IMP•TR•POT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1574 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1997 (10 spec.).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, January 2020.
Traditionally, the issue this rather interesting semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey writing in the RIC II.1 Addenda commented extensively on it. Because both the Addenda has yet to see the light of day and T. Buttrey's thoughts on the subject are important (and indeed likely correct), I have largely quoted it in full here with some minor editing.
'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4.
The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).
The series had nothing to do with Syria or with the East at all, yet it was purposefully designed to appear non-Roman: the suppression of the traditional reverse sub-inscription S C throughout; the suppression of the radiate crown of the Dupondius; the shifting of the consular dating from the obv. to the rev.; the striking of all four denominations in orichalcum; and most obviously the selection of rev. dies which reek of the East (while admitting that they are not Eastern, see on the semis the bust of the city-goddess accompanied by the Latin legend ANTIOCHIA, in imitation of the type actually struck there with the Greek legend ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ – SNG Cop Antioch 99-103, 112, etc. ).
There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage. The key to its understanding is the reverse type of the dupondius, two crossed cornuacopiae with a winged caduceus between. It replicates the type of an obscure issue of the Galilean city of Sepphoris, an issue which had been, astonishingly, signed by Vespasian himself (ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕCΠΑCΙΑΝΟΥ, “on the authority of…”) when on duty there in the last days of Nero.
The whole of this series memorializes not Vespasian the conquering general (IVDAEA CAPTA, VICTORIA AVGVSTI), but the man. His re-use of earlier coin types is well-known; here he re-uses his own, harking back to his career just prior to his final success in seizing the empire. And the series was struck in 74 A.D., co-terminous with the celebration of Vespasian’s first quinquennium.'
I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess that was intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The heavy use of dots in the obverse legend is a curiosity as well.
Good style and well centred.David Atherton
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RIC 1572 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 4.84g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T•CAES•IMP•TR•POT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S • C in laurel wreath
RIC 1572 (C). BMC -. BNC 897. RPC 1996 (6 spec.).
Acquired from Sebastian Sänn, September 2022
In 74 AD the Rome mint produced an extraordinary issue of bronze coinage of dupondii, asses, semisses, and quadrantes with a somewhat Eastern theme. Previously, these coins had been attributed to either Commagene (BMCRE) or Syria (RPC, and doubtfully so in RIC), but more recent scholarship has shown they actually were struck in Rome. The circulation pattern confirms this - out of a total of 112 of the smaller denominations cited by RPC, all but 4 were found in Western Europe. Ted Buttrey confirms 'The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation.' But why was this series produced in such a fashion? Buttrey proffers a plausible theory - 'Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012). The series had nothing to do with Syria or with the East at all, yet it was purposefully designed to appear non-Roman: the suppression of the traditional reverse sub-inscription S C throughout; the suppression of the radiate crown of the Dupondius; the shifting of the consular dating from the obv. to the rev.; the striking of all four denominations in orichalcum; and most obviously the selection of rev. dies which reek of the East. There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage. The key to its understanding is the reverse type of the dupondius, two crossed cornuacopiae with a winged caduceus between. It replicates the type of an obscure issue of the Galilean city of Sepphoris, an issue which had been, astonishingly, signed by Vespasian himself (ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕCΠΑCΙΑΝΟΥ, “on the authority of…”) when on duty there in the last days of Nero. The dupondius-sized bronze was accompanied by a half-unit with the type of a large, central S C – again signed by Vespasian, and now imitated on the As of the orichalcum series with the wreath of the As of Antioch (RPC I 4849-50). The whole of this series memorializes not Vespasian the conquering general (IVDAEA CAPTA, VICTORIA AVGVSTI), but the man. His re-use of earlier coin types is well-known; here he re-uses his own, harking back to his career just prior to his final success in seizing the empire. And the series was struck in 74 A.D., co-terminous with the celebration of Vespasian’s first quinquennium.' So, in essence, a very personally important issue for Vespasian.
Curtis Clay has a few objections to Buttrey's theory. 'As far as I am aware, there is nothing "astonishing" about Vespasian's "signing" of the two coins of Sepphoris. EΠI followed by the governor's name appeared frequently on Roman provincial coins, meaning simply, "Struck while the man named was governor". So there was no evident reason for Vespasian to consider it extraordinary that he had been named as governor of Syria on coins of Sepphoris struck for Nero near the end of his reign (Year 14), and no evident reason why he should have referred to the Sepphoris coins in his orichalcum issue struck at Rome five years later. It seems quite probable that Vespasian never even noticed his name on the coins of Sepphoris, and certainly very few Romans in the West will ever have seen such a coin, though Buttrey thinks the orichalcum coins were struck for circulation in the West in 74 in order to recall precisely those Sepphoris coins with their reference to Vespasian some months before his accession. Why waste coin types on references that were inconsequential, and that nobody was likely to comprehend?
If the orichalcum issue was meant to recall those two coins of Sepphoris, shouldn't it have been struck for Vespasian only, and using only those two rev. types, caduceus between crossed cornucopias and large SC? But that was not the case. Both the caduceus between crossed cornucopias type and the large SC type were struck not only for Vespasian, but also for Titus and Domitian as Caesars. Moreover those were not the only two rev. types of the issue: other coins showed a bust of Antioch with legend ANTIOCHIA , and (on small coins only) the same winged caduceus as on the crossed cornucopias dupondii, but without the cornucopias (see images below). It seems to me highly unlikely that the three main types of this issue, all struck for Titus and Domitian as well as Vespasian, were inspired by and meant to recall the far simpler issue of Sepphoris, using just two changing types (obv. types in this case) and of course naming Vespasian only.'
If Buttrey's argument is wrong it brings us back to the original question - why was an Eastern flavoured coinage struck for circulation in the West? Perhaps the issue may be nothing more than Vespasian paying homage to the part of the world that elevated him.
This as is a fine example of the smaller denomination - nicely centred, darkly toned, and sporting a stylish portrait of the young prince.David Atherton
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RIC 1571 Vespasian MuleÆ Quadrans, 2.71g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VESP•PON•TR•P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1571 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1990 (0 spec.).
Acquired from Variana Coins, February 2023.
A mule from the Rome mint's 'Eastern series' combining a Vespasian obverse with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar (Note 'VESP' occurs in both the obverse and reverse legends!). Although very rare, a Sufficient number of these mules survived antiquity to warrant its own RIC catalogue number. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. David Atherton
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RIC 1569 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.86g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: P M TR POT P P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1569 (R). BMC 880. BNC 894. RPC 1989 (4 spec.).
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, January 2023.
An extremely rare orichalcum quadrans struck for Vespasian in 74. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. David Atherton
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RIC 1568 VespasianÆ Semis, 4.10g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP•VESP•AVG•P•M•T•P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1568 (R). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1988 (6 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, June 2020.
Traditionally, the remarkable bronze issue this rather odd semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey in the unpublished RIC II.1 Addenda wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4.
The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).'
I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess that was intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The heavy use of dots in the obverse legend is a curiosity as well.
Lovely desert patina and fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 1567 VespasianÆ Semis, 4.82g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP•VESP•AVG•P•M•T•P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1567 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1987 (14 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, June 2022.
Traditionally, the remarkable bronze issue this rather odd semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey in the unpublished RIC II.1 Addenda wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4.
The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).'
I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess that was intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The heavy use of dots in the obverse legend is a curiosity as well.David Atherton
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RIC 1566 VespasianÆ As, 4.91g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP•VESP•AVG•P•M•T•P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S • C in laurel wreath
RIC 1566 (R). BMC 879. RPC 1986 (3 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, May 2022.
In 74 AD the Rome mint produced an extraordinary issue of bronze coinage of dupondii, asses, semisses, and quadrantes with a somewhat Eastern theme. Previously, these coins had been attributed to either Commagene (BMCRE) or Syria (RPC, and doubtfully so in RIC), but more recent scholarship has shown they actually were struck in Rome. The circulation pattern confirms this - out of a total of 112 of the smaller denominations cited by RPC, all but 4 were found in Western Europe. Ted Buttrey confirms 'The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation.' But why was this series produced in such a fashion? Buttrey proffers a plausible theory - 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage. The key to its understanding is the reverse type of the dupondius, two crossed cornuacopiae with a winged caduceus between. It replicates the type of an obscure issue of the Galilean city of Sepphoris, an issue which had been, astonishingly, signed by Vespasian himself (ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕCΠΑCΙΑΝΟΥ, “on the authority of…”) when on duty there in the last days of Nero. The dupondius-sized bronze was accompanied by a half-unit with the type of a large, central S C – again signed by Vespasian, and now imitated on the As of the orichalcum series with the wreath of the As of Antioch (RPC I 4849-50). The whole of this series memorializes not Vespasian the conquering general (IVDAEA CAPTA, VICTORIA AVGVSTI), but the man. His re-use of earlier coin types is well-known; here he re-uses his own, harking back to his career just prior to his final success in seizing the empire. And the series was struck in 74 A.D., co-terminous with the celebration of Vespasian’s first quinquennium.' So, in essence, a very personally important issue for Vespasian.
A rare variant 'S C' as featuring a right facing portrait paired with a scarce obverse legend. Unusually, the asses of this series were struck in orichalcum not copper and are much smaller than traditional contemporary asses. Missing from the Paris collection. David Atherton
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RIC 1565 VespasianÆ As, 6.57g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: S • C in laurel wreath
RIC 1565 (C2). BMC 894. RPC 1984 (20 spec.). BNC 913.
Acquired from Ephesus Numismatics, January 2019.
In 74 AD the Rome mint produced an extraordinary issue of bronze coinage of dupondii, asses, semisses, and quadrantes with a somewhat Eastern theme. Previously, these coins had been attributed to either Commagene (BMCRE) or Syria (RPC, and doubtfully so in RIC), but more recent scholarship has shown they actually were struck in Rome. The circulation pattern confirms this - out of a total of 112 of the smaller denominations cited by RPC, all but 4 were found in Western Europe. Ted Buttrey confirms 'The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation.' But why was this series produced in such a fashion? Buttrey proffers a plausible theory - 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage. The key to its understanding is the reverse type of the dupondius, two crossed cornuacopiae with a winged caduceus between. It replicates the type of an obscure issue of the Galilean city of Sepphoris, an issue which had been, astonishingly, signed by Vespasian himself (ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕCΠΑCΙΑΝΟΥ, “on the authority of…”) when on duty there in the last days of Nero. The dupondius-sized bronze was accompanied by a half-unit with the type of a large, central S C – again signed by Vespasian, and now imitated on the As of the orichalcum series with the wreath of the As of Antioch (RPC I 4849-50). The whole of this series memorializes not Vespasian the conquering general (IVDAEA CAPTA, VICTORIA AVGVSTI), but the man. His re-use of earlier coin types is well-known; here he re-uses his own, harking back to his career just prior to his final success in seizing the empire. And the series was struck in 74 A.D., co-terminous with the celebration of Vespasian’s first quinquennium.' So, in essence, a very personally important issue for Vespasian.
Curtis Clay has a few objections for Buttrey's theory why the issue was struck. 'As far as I am aware, there is nothing "astonishing" about Vespasian's "signing" of the two coins of Sepphoris. EΠI followed by the governor's name appeared frequently on Roman provincial coins, meaning simply, "Struck while the man named was governor". So there was no evident reason for Vespasian to consider it extraordinary that he had been named as governor of Syria on coins of Sepphoris struck for Nero near the end of his reign (Year 14), and no evident reason why he should have referred to the Sepphoris coins in his orichalcum issue struck at Rome five years later. It seems quite probable that Vespasian never even noticed his name on the coins of Sepphoris, and certainly very few Romans in the West will ever have seen such a coin, though Buttrey thinks the orichalcum coins were struck for circulation in the West in 74 in order to recall precisely those Sepphoris coins with their reference to Vespasian some months before his accession. Why waste coin types on references that were inconsequential, and that nobody was likely to comprehend?
If the orichalcum issue was meant to recall those two coins of Sepphoris, shouldn't it have been struck for Vespasian only, and using only those two rev. types, caduceus between crossed cornucopias and large SC? But that was not the case. Both the caduceus between crossed cornucopias type and the large SC type were struck not only for Vespasian, but also for Titus and Domitian as Caesars. Moreover those were not the only two rev. types of the issue: other coins showed a bust of Antioch with legend ANTIOCHIA , and (on small coins only) the same winged caduceus as on the crossed cornucopias dupondii, but without the cornucopias (see images below). It seems to me highly unlikely that the three main types of this issue, all struck for Titus and Domitian as well as Vespasian, were inspired by and meant to recall the far simpler issue of Sepphoris, using just two changing types (obv. types in this case) and of course naming Vespasian only.'
If Buttrey's argument is wrong it brings us back to the original question - why was an Eastern flavoured coinage struck for circulation in the West? Perhaps the issue may be nothing more than Vespasian paying homage to the part of the world that elevated him.
This As is a fine example of the smaller denomination, nicely centred with a beautiful emerald green patina.David Atherton
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RIC 1563 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.90g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Bust of Titus, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: No legend; Titus stg. r. with branch and sceptre, in quadriga r.
RIC 1563 (C). BMC 521. RSC 395. RPC 1935 (10 spec.). BNC 324. Hendin 1493.
Acquired from Roma Numismatics, December 2009.
The triumph of Rome over Judaea continues with this reverse; here Titus is depicted in the triumphal quadriga he rode in the celebrations at Rome the year or two before. A relatively common coin that shares the same reverse type with Vespasian.
A bit rough, but nowhere near as bad as the picture indicates. Actually, a very nice coin in hand. It is hard to find these as well centred as this specimen. Shares the same obv. die as BMC 518 and the RIC plate coin for 1563 (Paris).David Atherton
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RIC 1562 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.26g
Antioch Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Bust of Titus, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: Palm tree: to l., Titus stg. r. with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 1562 (C). BMC 518. RSC 392. RPC 1934 (11 spec.). BNC 322. Hendin 1492.
Acquired from WCNC, March 2008.
A Judaea Capta type which copies a reverse from Rome.
Though rated as common in the RIC, it is a fairly difficult reverse type to find. I like the draped busts of this issue.
David Atherton
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RIC 1561 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] (2)AR Denarius, 3.24g
Antioch Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Bust of Titus, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: NEP RED; Neptune stg. l., foot on globe, with acrostolium and sceptre
RIC 1561 (C). BMC 516. RSC 122. RPC 1933 ( 14 spec.). BNC 321.
Acquired from Dr Busso Peus Nachfolger, March 2017.
The Neptune type was struck for Vespasian and Titus Caesar at both Rome and Antioch. Likely, it was commemorating their recent sea voyages and safe return to Rome.
I previously acquired a double struck specimen from Harry Sneh 7 years ago that has a few condition issues. Comparatively speaking, I think my new coin is a significant upgrade. Struck on a tight flan, but in good metal and fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 1561 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] (1)AR Denarius, 2.98g
Antioch Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Bust of Titus, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: NEP - RED; Neptune stg. l., foot on globe, with acrostolium and sceptre
RIC 1561 (C). BMC 516. RSC 122. RPC 1933 ( 14 spec.). BNC 321.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
This denarius of Titus as Caesar minted in Antioch has a lot of problems with it. The odd flan shape, the poor surfaces, and of course the double strike, all conspire to create a very unique and problematic coin! Antioch did not have superb quality control at the time...this coin is a great example of such.
Despite all that, I'm quite taken with it. The portrait is quite lovely and the horribly double struck reverse is oddly interesting.
David Atherton
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RIC 1560 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.38g
Antioch Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP PO-N TR POT; Bust of Titus, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI; Concordia std. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 1560 (R2). BMC 514. RSC 44. RPC 1932 (5 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Lanz, eBay, 25 September 2008.
A rare early type of Titus as Caesar from Antioch copying a reverse of Vespasian. Peace and harmony is the theme on display here.
Aside from the off-center obverse, a decent coin from a mint well known for quality control issues at the time. David Atherton
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RIC 1559 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.23g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: No legend. Vespasian laureate, standing in triumphal quadriga, r., horses pacing, holding branch in r. hand and sceptre in l.
RIC 1559 (C). BMC 512. RSC 643. RPC 1931 (9 spec.). BNC 320. Hendin 1491 corr. (obv. legend).
Acquired from Pegasi, May 2005.
A reverse that commemorates Vespasian and Titus' Judaean Triumph celebrated in Rome.
This denarius from Antioch is much more common than the scarcer Rome mint example. Issued as part of a series Antioch minted which were also Rome mint types.
A coin in excellent condition with much of the detail still intact. I love the high relief portraits of these issues.David Atherton
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RIC 1558 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.14g
Antioch Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Palm tree; to l., Vespasian stg. r. with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 1558 (C). BMC 510. RSC 645. RPC 1930 (11 spec.). BNC 318. Hendin 1490 corr. (obv. legend).
Acquired from Jencek Historical Enterprise, July 2005.
A denarius that obviously celebrates Vespasian's victory over Judaea.
This is a typical example of a coin from the Antioch mint...distinctive high relief portrait , crude lettering, and a small flan.
A very much sought after reverse. David Atherton
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RIC 1557 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.11g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory stg. r., crowning standard and holding palm
RIC 1557 (R2). BMC 509, RSC 618. RPC 1929 (1 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Pegasi 140, 2 August 2011, lot 319.
This Vespasian denarius was attributed as a fairly common Rome mint Victory crowning standard, it actually is from Antioch and can be identified so by the different style. The lettering and the bust clearly are Antioch. The Rome example of the type is rated C2 (very common), while the Antioch type is rated R2 (very few examples known). The other two examples of this type I have seen are die pair matches with mine, which illustrates how rare this coin really is.
The whole series this coin is a part of consists of contemporary Rome mint types which were copied by Antioch.
David Atherton
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RIC 1556 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.42g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VESTA; Vesta stg. l., with simpulum and sceptre
RIC 1556 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Numismatic Naumann 70, 7 October 2018, lot 411.
Second known example of the Antioch RIC group 5 Vesta. A double die match with the other published specimen, CNG 61, 25 September 2002, lot 1689, and an obverse die match with the extremely rare AVGVR TRI POT and VICTORIA AVGVSTI types from the same issue. All of these copy common contemporaneous reverse types from Rome.
Slightly off centre in good Antiochene style.David Atherton
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RIC 1555 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.30g
Antioch Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: NEP RED; Neptune, naked, standing l., r. foot on globe, r. knee bent, holding acrostolium in r. hand, which rests on r. knee, and vertical sceptre in l. hand
RIC 1555 (C). BMC 506. RSC, 274. RPC 1928 (9 spec.). BNC 54.
Acquired from Nemesis, ANA Pittsburgh, August 2004.
An Antiochene denarius featuring Neptune as 'home-bringer' - copying a Rome mint type from 70. It was issued to symbolise the safe return of Vespasian over the seas after the Civil War.
A wonderful coin in excellent condition. I quite like the Antioch denarii, and this one is a good example why!David Atherton
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RIC 1554 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.48g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI; Concordia, draped, seated, l., holding patera extended in r. hand and cornucopiae in l.
RIC 1554 (R2). BMC 505. RSC 74. RPC 1927 (6 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from Civitas Galleries, November 2005.
An exceedingly rare Antiochene Concordia denarius copying a common reverse design from Rome.
I love the denarii from the Antioch mint. Normally the flans are quite small, but this one is large enough to show some of the beaded boarder.David Atherton
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RIC 1553 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.32g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVGVR above TRI POT below; priestly implements
RIC 1553 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Ibercoin Auction 18.1, 3 December 2014, lot 5106.
The denarii struck at Antioch often copied reverse types struck at Rome. The priestly implements reverse is a quite common type for Rome but exceedingly rare at Antioch. This is the second known specimen of the type issued from Antioch, a die pair match with the other example sold by G&M in 2004, the RIC plate coin. The obverse is also a die match with my very rare RIC 1557 Victory type. The coin is attributed to Antioch based on style - the crude lettering being a dead give-away.
A fantastic example nicely centered and in excellent condition.David Atherton
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RIC 1547 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.59g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVG; Victory stg. r., on globe, with wreath and palm
RIC 1547 (R2). BMC 498. RSC 588. RPC 1921 (2 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Nomos Obolos 7, 9 July 2017, lot 313.
An exceptionally rare denarius from Antioch - it is only the eighth known example (the others are: BM, Vienna, Tom Cederlind 2007, Helios 4, Gemini X, CNG E339, Lanz eBay 2017). This left facing portrait is unique in the Antiochene denarius issues, as well as the only appearance of Victory on globe in the series. Butcher and Ponting's metal analysis of the type found a silver bullion content of 99% - a remarkable level of fineness for an imperial or provincial issue at that time. The portrait style is identical to the Antiochene tetradrachms with the left facing portraits and eagle on base reverses struck somewhat contemporaneously in 71-72. This is strong evidence that the same die engravers were producing both imperial and provincial issues at Antioch.
A stunning portrait in ultra-high relief. David Atherton
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RIC 1542A VespasianAR Denarius, 2.80g
Antioch (?) mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVGVR above TRI POT below; priestly implements
RIC 1542A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex G&N, eBay, 22 November 2012.
The type copies a contemporary Rome issue, but is clearly not from that mint. The best fit style wise is Antioch, which also issued this reverse type with a slightly different obverse legend. The lettering is rendered rather crudely similar to many Antiochene denarii. Until this specimen surfaced, this obverse legend combined with the priestly implements reverse was completely unknown for Antioch. Both the legend and the type are extremely rare for this mint. The new RIC II authors Ian Carradice and Ted Buttrey agree the coin is Syrian in style and have tentatively assigned it to the upcoming RIC II Addenda as 1542A, although Carradice hasn't completely ruled out the possibility it is a barbarous copy. Harry Sneh also agreed the best fit is Antioch, proposing that there may have been several mints operating in Syria and this may be the product of one of them.
It is quite possible there are other examples out there misattributed to Rome as yet unrecognised, as this example had been by the seller. It pays to know your mints!David Atherton
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RIC 1542 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.81g
Antioch mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VIRTVS AVGVST; Virtus stg. r., l. foot on prow with spear and parazonium
RIC 1542 (R2). BMC 499. RSC 640. RPC 1916 (5 spec.). BNC 315.
Ex G&N, eBay, 2 May 2011.
Minted at Antioch in 70 AD, this early eastern type of Vespasian is one of only two times that i know of that Virtus appears on Flavian denarii, the other type being Vespasian RIC 1379 a unique coin. Virtus here symbolizes the military prowess of the emperor on both land and sea. The type was normally popular during Roman Civil Wars, so it is not at all surprising that Vespasian issued it coming out of one.
The coin is scratched and the flan is ragged and uneven but the high profile portrait remains showing a unique Antiochene style.
David Atherton
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RIC 1541 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.20g
Antioch mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG in oak wreath
RIC 1541 (R2). BMC 497. BNC 326. RPC 1915 (3 spec.). RSC 36a.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 133. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Rauch, E15, 16-18 June 2014, lot 161.
An exceedingly rare first issue Antiochene denarius. The AVG in wreath reverse was fleetingly struck in 70 alongside the equally rare Pax and Virtus denarius types. It copies a similar design contemporaneously issued from Ephesus. My example shares an obverse die with the Oxford specimen and a seated Pax type from the same issue. Three other specimens of the type are known, all of which are in major collections - mine is the only one I am aware of in private hands.David Atherton
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RIC 1539A Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.30g
Antioch mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TRIB POT; Pax std. r., with sceptre and branch
RIC 1539A. BMC -. BNC -. RPC -.
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2020.
An extremely rare unlisted Antiochene denarius which copies a type previously only recorded for Antiochene aurei (RIC 1539). This is the second known example of this Pax type in silver, the other was previously at auction in 2018 (NN 71, lot 449). The 'TRIB POT' reverse legend is unique to Antioch and only appears with this Pax type. The coin is in very early style with Vespasian unusually sporting a full head of hair. All the coins from this first Antiochene issue are quite rare and do not come up in trade very often.
This denarius type has been newly added to the upcoming RIC II.1 A&C as RIC 1539A.David Atherton
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RIC 1521 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ18, 2.71g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG F; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS V PRINC IVVENT; S C in field; Cornucopiae
RIC 1521 (R2). BMC spec. acquired 1989. BNC -. RPC 1488 (2 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus Black auction 17, 24-25 March 2023, lot 403.
Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. This extremely rare small bronze struck for Domitian Caesar featuring a cornucopiae on the reverse echoes similar provincial designs from the East. David Atherton
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RIC 1513 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ25.5, 8.02g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMPER PONT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT COS VI CENSOR; S C in field; Mars adv. l., with spear and shield
RIC 1513 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1482 (1 spec.).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 95. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Ritter List 46, August 1996, no. 654.
Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Admittedly, the link to the infamous 'o' mint is tenuous at best*, but it is the most sound theory proposed so far (M. Grant, 'Asses of Orichalcum', Centennial Publication of the American Numismatic Study, pp. 285-302). Further, metal analyses by Carradice and Cowell ('The minting of Roman Imperial Bronze Coins for Circulation in the East: Vespasian to Trajan', NC 147, pp. 26-50) strongly supports an Asia Minor origin for the issue. Only one specimen of this Mars type is cited by both RIC and RPC from Oxford. Missing from the BM and Paris collections.
*One objection to this link is the fact the 'o' mint series is riddled with mules and mixed up titles, something we don't see with the bronze issue.David Atherton
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RIC 1511 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ25, 6.67g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMPER PONT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT COS VI CENSOR; S C in exergue; Eagle stg. l. on thunderbolt, head r.
RIC 1511 (R). BMC p. 221 ‡. BNC 893. RPC 1480 (3 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus 15, 11 February 2023, lot 662.
Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues (such as this Syrian inspired eagle on thunderbolt). A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Admittedly, the link to the infamous 'o' mint is tenuous at best, but it is the most sound theory proposed so far (M. Grant, 'Asses of Orichalcum', Centennial Publication of the American Numismatic Study, pp. 285-302). Further, metal analyses by Carradice and Cowell ('The minting of Roman Imperial Bronze Coins for Circulation in the East: Vespasian to Trajan', NC 147, pp. 26-50) strongly supports an Asia Minor origin for the issue. David Atherton
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RIC 1508A VespasianÆ19, 4.09g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C low in field; Caduceus, winged, between crossed cornuacopiae
RIC 1508A (R3). BMC -. BNC -. RPC -.
Acquired from Numidas, April 2023.
Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Here we have an unpublished and unique left facing portrait variety of the crossed cornucopiae with caduceus type. RIC II.1 co-author Ian Carradice was alerted to this new discovery and has assigned it as 1508A in the Addenda & Corrigenda.David Atherton
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RIC 1508 VespasianÆ20, 4.37g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C low in field; Caduceus, winged, between crossed cornuacopiae
RIC 1508 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1477A.
Acquired from eBay, July 2020.
A year or so after a mysterious mint in Asia Minor (dubbed the 'o' mint) struck a rare series of denarii an even rarer issue of bronze appeared in the same region. The two issues are linked by similar circulation patterns and somewhat similar styles. The bronzes are imprecisely dated to the 77-78 time period but were likely struck for only a brief period, judging by their extreme rarity. Three denominations were produced in orichalcum apparently using a provincial weight system. The unique legends are in Latin and the reverse types copy those struck in Rome, but many have obvious 'Eastern' themes. The crossed cornucopiae seen on this coin likely echos a similar 'Eastern' themed reverse struck in Rome and on other eastern civic issues.
Admittedly, the link to the infamous 'o' mint is tenuous at best, but it is the most sound theory proposed so far (M. Grant, 'Asses of Orichalcum', Centennial Publication of the American Numismatic Study, pp. 285-302).
Dark black and green patina and nicely centred.David Atherton
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RIC 1507 VespasianÆ20, 3.89g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with shield
RIC 1507 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1477 (0 spec.).
Ex Numismad Auction 12, 5-6 January 2024, lot 817.
Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or Lugdunum (such as this Victory type) or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. The entire issue is very rarely encountered in trade. This particular Victory variety is missing from all the major collections.
My assumption is that a piece like this did not have wide circulation beyond the region of mintage. Orichalcum was not used for such small bronze denominations at Rome and would have been a baffling coin to your average Roman pleb. David Atherton
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RIC 1506 Vespasian Unique VariantÆ21, 3.31g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C; Victory adv. l., holding wreath and palm
RIC 1506 var. (obv. head r.). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1479 var. (same).
Ex Bucephalus Black Auction 16, 24-25 February 2023, lot 912.
Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Here we have a unique left facing portrait variety of the Victory type with 'AVGVST' instead of 'AVG' in the obverse legend. No specimens recorded in RPC or the RIC II.1 Addenda.David Atherton
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RIC 1505 VespasianÆ20, 4.07g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C; Victory adv. l., holding wreath and palm
RIC 1505 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1476 (2 spec.).
Ex Aphrodite Auction 6, 22-24 October 2022, lot 591.
Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome (such as this Victory type) or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC.
My assumption is that a piece like this did not have wide circulation beyond the region of mintage. Orichalcum was not used for such small bronze denominations at Rome and would have been a baffling coin to your average Roman pleb. David Atherton
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RIC 1502 Vespasian VariantÆ29, 11.17g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Jupiter std. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 1502 var. (obv. head right). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1475 var. (same).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 92. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz, eBay, January 2009.
Late in Vespasian's reign an exceedingly rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Here we have a previously unrecorded and unique variant of the Jupiter seated reverse with the obverse portrait facing left instead of right. The piece likely circulated as a dupondius. It was erroneously attributed in the HJB catalogue as 'RIC 1500', which is a Ceres seated type. David Atherton
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RIC 1501 VespasianÆ27, 10.94g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Jupiter stg. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 1501 (R2). BMC 893. BNC -. RPC 1474 (1 spec.).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 91. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Leu E17, Pt. 2, 15 August 2021, lot 2361.
Late in Vespasian's reign an exceedingly rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. This Jupiter standing type may have been intended to circulate as a dupondius (BMCRE attributes it as such).David Atherton
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RIC 1497 VespasianÆ27, 11.16g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Ceres, veiled, std. l., with two corn ears and cornucopiae
RIC 1497 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1470 (1 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus Black Auction 16, 24-25 February 2023, lot 913.
Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. This Ceres with cornucopiae is the third known specimen of the type. RPC cites one in Berlin, another is recorded in the RIC II.1 Addenda.David Atherton
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RIC 1496 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.17g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PON MAX TR P COS IIII; Winged caduceus
RIC 1496 (R2). BMC 489. RSC 369. RPC 1469 (2 spec.). BNC 377.
Acquired from Britaly Coins, April 2016.
The small series struck under Vespasian this coin comes from is quite mysterious. The mint is not known for certain, although Ephesus is a prime suspect. K. Butcher and M. Ponting in The Metallurgy of Roman silver Coinage analysed the Ephesian and 'o' mint series and their data shows both issues are made from the same bullion. Not definitive proof the two series are from the same mint, but good evidence of a strong link. Unlike the Ephesian series, the 'o' issue is full of blundered legends and mules. This denarius struck for Domitian Caesar has a PON MAX reverse legend, an impossible title for the young prince. However, what the mint masters lacked in competency, the engravers made up for in their stylish portraits.
A wonderful portrait struck on a large flan. An obverse die match with my RIC V1494.David Atherton
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RIC 1495 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.26g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: FIDES PVBL; Hands clasped over caduceus, two poppies and two corn ears
RIC 1495 (R). BMC 491. RSC -. RPC 1467 (4 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Solidus, eBay, 29 November 2013.
In 76 AD a mysterious series of denarii appeared in Asia Minor for Vespasian and his sons two years after Ephesus stopped minting denarii. The reverse types were copied from those contemporaneously produced at Rome and featured many mules and blundered legends. Often an 'o' mint mark is visible below the busts, giving rise to the theory that these may be the product of Ephesus. The style is also similar to the last series known from that mint.
Here is a rare reverse type for Domitian as Caesar. At Rome this type is only known for Vespasian and Titus. BMC 491 is listed as no mint mark below bust. A fine style portrait struck on a large flan. Same obverse die as my V1492.
David Atherton
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RIC 1494 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.81g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: COS IIII above; Pegasus r.
RIC 1494 (R2). BMC 488 bis. RSC 47 var. RPC 1465 (1 spec.). BNC -.
Ex G&N, eBay, 27 August 2015.
An unknown eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome. Both RIC and RPC speculate it possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The issue is extremely rare. This denarius copies the much more common Pegasus type struck at Rome for Domitian. Domitian's connection to this unusual type perhaps can be explained by Pegasus' association with Athena/Minerva, Domitian's patron goddess. These eastern denarii are understandably confused with the issues from Rome, however, they can be distinguished by style and the annulet (if visible) below the bust.
A fine styled, nicely toned denarius.David Atherton
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RIC 1492 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.10g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: COS IIII across field; Eagle stg. facing on garlanded base, wings open, head r.
RIC 1492 (R). BMC 487. RSC 45c. RPC 1466 (3 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Gemini X, 13 January 2013, Harry N. Sneh Collection, group lot 806.
A delightful Domitian as Caesar denarius from the rare 'o' mint. RIC speculates the mysterious mint is Ephesus based on the use of the 'o' mint mark which was also used at that mint in its last known series in 74.
This reverse type of Eagle on garlanded base is known from Rome for Vespasian and Titus. A wonderful portrait accompanies this large flan specimen.
David Atherton
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RIC 1491/1489A Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] Engraver's Error MuleAR Denarius, 3.41g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS III; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: ION (sic) MAX TR P COS V; Winged caduceus
Cf. RIC 1491/1489A (for obv./rev.). BMC -. BNC -. RPC -. RSC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 129. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Numismatic Naumann, E50, 5 February 2017, lot 515.
An unknown eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome. Both RIC and RPC speculate it possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The series is riddled with error coins, such as this rare Domitian Caesar engraver's error mule. Here we erroneously have 'ION' instead of 'PON' in the reverse legend. The ION (sic) MAX COS V is a muddled reverse incompatibly struck for Titus Caesar (he could not have been PON MAX). So, a misspelled erroneous reverse impossibly intended for Titus Caesar paired with a Domitian Caesar obverse. Three mistakes on one coin! Same obverse die as RIC plate coin 1491. Possibly the only known specimen.
Off-centred and struck on a large oblong flan, but graced with a stylish portrait.David Atherton
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RIC 1489 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.82g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS III; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVT; Spes, draped, advancing l., holding up flower in r. hand and with l. holding up her skirt.
RIC 1489 (R2). BMC 481. BNC -. RPC 1462 (1 spec.). RSC 575a.
Acquired from eBay, April 2022.
A mysterious eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome. Both RIC and RPC speculate it possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The issue is extremely rare. This denarius copies the much more common Spes type contemporaneously struck at Rome for Domitian. These eastern denarii are often confused with the issues from Rome, however, they can be distinguished by their superior style and the annulet (if visible) below the bust.
Missing from the Paris collection.David Atherton
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RIC 1486 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.04g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck off flan
Rev: PON MAX TR P COS V; Winged caduceus
RIC 1486 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. RPC 1460 (2 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Ancient Treasures, eBay, March 2011.
The small series this coin comes from is quite mysterious. The mint is not known for certain, although Ephesus is a prime suspect. The reason for the series being minted at all is not known either. The issue is full of blundered legends and mules, however, stylistically the coins are very pleasing.
David Atherton
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RIC 1485 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius 3.28g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: FIDES PVBL; Hands clasped over caduceus, two poppies and two corn ears
RIC 1485 (R). BMC p. 102 note. RSC 87. RPC 1459 (2 spec.). BNC 375.
Ex eBay, October 2016.
A rare type copied from Rome and struck presumably at Ephesus, although the identity of the mint is not certain. The issue is often wrought with mistakes in the form of blundered legends and mules. This denarius is unusually correct!
Stylish portrait and nearly full legends.David Atherton
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RIC 1483 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.33g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: COS V; Bull, stg. r.
RIC 1483n (R2, this coin). BMC 486. RSC 56. RPC 1458 (3 spec.). BNC 374.
Ex NAC 125, 24 June 2021, lot 583. Ex Harry N Sneh Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 142, 10 October 2005, lot 2398.
The infamous 'o' mint denarii (the 'o' is often not visible but is quite bold on this specimen!) struck for Vespasian, Titus Caesar, and Domitian Caesar are thought to have been minted at Ephesus due to a similar 'o' mint mark previously used at that mint. The types are the same as those struck somewhat contemporaneously at Rome. Mules are a hallmark of the series, perhaps indicating a lack of care in their production. This bull reverse copies a much more common Rome mint 'Cow of Myron' proto-type. The exact sex of the bovine is in doubt - some catalogues call it a cow, others a bull. RIC also makes a distinction between 'humped' and 'non-humped' bulls and uses the above coin in the plates to illustrate the 'non-humped' variant. Very rare, only a handful of specimens known.David Atherton
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RIC 1481 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.29g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck off flan
Rev: COS V across field;Eagle stg. facing on garlanded altar, wings open, head r.
RIC 1481 (R). BMC 485. RSC 61. RPC 1457 (4 spec.). BNC 373.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
Ephesus stopped minting Imperial denarii in 74 AD. Mysteriously, a series of denarii were minted in 76 in Asia Minor with no apparent purpose. The mint is thought to be Ephesus as well. However, previously the mint had excellent quality control...the 76 series lacks all of that and then some! Mules, muddled titles (PON MAX for Titus!), and reverse types mixed between Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. A truly odd series. Most likely minted for local use.
This Titus denarius from the series has no blundered mistakes. A fabulous portrait, different in style from the previous Ephesus series but still artistic, IMHO.
David Atherton
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RIC 1480 Vespasian MuleAR Denarius, 2.87g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: No legend; Domitian on horse l.; r. hand raised, sceptre in l
RIC 1480 (R3). BMC -. BNC -. RSC -. RPC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 126. Ex Curtis Clay Collection.
The infamous 'o' mint denarii struck for Vespasian, Titus Caesar, and Domitian Caesar are thought to have been minted at Ephesus due to a similar 'o' mint mark previously used at that mint. The types are the same as those struck somewhat contemporaneously at Rome. Mules are a hallmark of the series, perhaps indicating a lack of care in their production, although the style is generally quite fine. This Vespasian denarius mule features a reverse that was originally struck for Domitian Caesar at Rome. The variety is listed as unique in RIC (citing the Jack Benedict Coll. which shares the same dies), this is possibly the fourth known specimen. Although it is likely a mule combining an obverse of Vespasian with a reverse intended for Domitian, the type has yet to be attested for Domitian at this mint! An unusual oversight considering the reverse commemorates Domitian's role in the Jewish War Triumph of 71.David Atherton
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RIC 1479 Vespasian MuleAR Denarius, 3.06g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVT; Spes, draped, advancing l., holding up flower in r. hand and with l. holding up her skirt.
RIC 1479 (R2). BMC 492. BNC -. RPC 1455 (2 spec.). RSC 393a.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 124. Ex Curtis Clay Collection.
A mysterious eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome, such as this common Rome mint Spes. Both RIC and RPC speculate the mint possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The issue is extremely rare. This denarius is a mint mule erroneously combining a Domitian Caeasar Spes reverse with a Vespasian obverse. Mules, muddled titles (PRINCEPS IVVENTVT for Vespasian!), and various reverse types mixed between Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian are hallmarks of the series. These 'o' mint denarii are often confused with the issues from Rome, however, they can be distinguished by their superior style, large portraits, and an annulet (if visible) below the bust. Missing from the Paris collection.David Atherton
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RIC 1477A VespasianAR Denarius, 3.28g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VII (from high l.); Winged caduceus
RIC 1477A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, April 2017.
A unique specimen of the caduceus type from the rare and mysterious 'o' mint. This rare variant has the reverse legend starting from the upper left, all other known examples start from the lower right. I informed Ted Buttrey of the coin and he has assigned it 1477A in the upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda.
Struck in good style on a large flan. David Atherton
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RIC 1477 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.58g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VII; Winged caduceus
RIC 1477 (R). BMC 483. RSC 375a. RPC 1453 (7 spec.). BNC 371.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, October 2014.
These 'o' mint denarii (the 'o' is often not visible) struck for Vespasian, Titus Caesar, and Domitian Caesar are thought to have been minted at Ephesus due to a similar 'o' mint mark previously used at that mint. The types are the same as those struck somewhat contemporaneously at Rome. Mules are a hallmark of the series, perhaps indicating a lack of care in their production. The cadeceus type here is not a mule and copies a Rome reverse of Vespasian from 74.
Curtis Clay wrote these insightful comments concerning the series - "You write, 'thought to have been minted at Ephesus due to a similar 'o' mint mark previously used at that mint'. I regard that as a clear mistake by Buttrey and Carradice. Yes, annulets appear on some late Ephesus denarii too, but everything else is against attributing this later annulet series to Ephesus. Ephesus had its own reverse types, faithfully repeated from issue to issue. But the new series copies its rev. types from Rome, as you note. Ephesus had its own obv. legends too, usually dated with consulships. Quite different in the new series, again copied from Rome. The style is totally different. Errors, such as calling Titus PON MAX and many mules mixing obverses of one emperor with reverses of another, occur only in the later series, never at Ephesus. Against these blatant differences, the shared annulets are I think a mere trifle. A clear case of different mints in my eyes! So 'Ephesus (?)' should be dropped, and we should return to 'uncertain Asia Minor mint'."
Porous and fairly worn, however the major devices are intact and the portrait is quite fine.
David Atherton
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RIC 1475 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.48g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: FIDES PVBL; Hands clasped over caduceus, two poppies and two corn ears
RIC 1475 (R). BMC 490. RSC 163a. RPC 1452 (6 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from Malter Galleries, December 2010.
Anyone with a passing knowledge of Flavian coinage is aware of the series of denarii Ephesus issued early in Vespasian's reign, but few know about a later group of denarii Ephesus(?) issued a couple of years later in 76 AD
This later issue can be identified by the use of a letter 'o' mint mark below the bust. The style and use of a mint mark suggests the minting city is Ephesus, however the exact location is unknown. If it is indeed Ephesus then something went horribly awry with their quality control since the previous issue in 74. Reverse types clearly meant for Vespasian may end up on a coin of Titus or Domitian and vice versa (see RIC 1480 for a good example of this type of error).
Why this short lived series was minted at all is a mystery.
The reverse itself is a copy of a Rome mint type from 73 AD and most likely symbolizes good faith in agricultural prosperity. I believe the overall style is much better than the Rome mint examples for both obverse and reverse. The poppies in particular seem to be more pronounced and better executed.
For lovers of the eastern Flavian mints there is a lot to admire here.
David Atherton
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RIC 1473 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.78g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: COS VII above; Pegasus r.
RIC 1473 (R). BMC 482. RSC 114a. RPC 1451 (4 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Welch Collection. Acquired from eBay, January 2013.
The 'o' mint struck the Pegasus type for Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, while Rome struck the type only for Domitian. The 'o' mint is infamous for mixing up types and titles incorrectly. This coin features Vespasian with correct titles. Very rare.
Worn, but in fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 1470 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.00g
Ephesus Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR COS III; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE (from high r.); Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r. star; below, annulet
RIC 1470(C). BMC 479. RSC 123. RPC 857 (3 spec.). BNC 370.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
Even at the mint of Ephesus Titus shared many reverses with Vespasian, this Victory included; 'The Imperial Peace'.
A wonderful, stylish obverse die was employed here making this coin a good example of what Ephesus was capable of. A bit off-center, but it can be forgiven.David Atherton
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RIC 1469 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.74g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR COS III; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., annulet at tip of bust
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; below throne, annulet; in exergue, star
RIC 1469 (R2). BMC 477. RSC -. RPC 856 var. (obv. legend lacks annulet). BNC -.
Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, Harry N. Sneh Collection, lot 429
The annulet before the obverse bust is an important distinction, it may signify a new series for Ephesus. For now it is cataloged with Ephesus group 9. The annulet is barely visible in hand.
In wonderful condition with a pleasing style. There seems to be no end to the high quality output from this mint!David Atherton
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RIC 1465 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.02g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower l., annulet, at lower r., star
RIC 1465 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Ancient Treasures, eBay, 26 July 2015.
The various mint marks found on the denarii struck for the Flavians at Ephesus are somewhat mysterious in purpose and meaning. There is no blatant reason why they are present in the issue. This denarius struck for Vespasian in 74 towards the end of the series has not one, but two mint marks on the reverse, an annulet and star. Perhaps they were internal mint control marks?
A victorious peace bestowed by the emperor is advertised on the reverse, while a severe looking Vespasian on the obverse demands you love and accept that peace, or else. David Atherton
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RIC 1464 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.49g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., annulet at tip of bust
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres, std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; below throne, annulet; in exergue, star
RIC 1464 (R2). BMC p. 99, †. RSC 68 var. (annulet below throne). RPC 852 (5 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Savoca, eBay, 2 March 2018.
A rare COS V Ephesian denarius notable for three control marks (one on the obverse, two on the reverse). Certain variants may have all three marks present but with different placements, lack one or two marks, or be any combination of the former and latter possibilities. I would assume the marks had something to do with the internal organisation of the mint's workshops. Also of note, this is the last denarius issue which can inarguably be attributed to Ephesus.
A bit off-centre, but in fine style.
David Atherton
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RIC 1463A VespasianAR Denarius, 3.16g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres, std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; below throne, annulet; in l. field, star
RIC 1463A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Roma E6, 22 February 2014, lot 329.
An unlisted variant of an already rare type from Group 9. RIC 1464 has the obverse legend ending with an annulet and on the reverse a star in the exergue, annulet below throne. My coin has no annulet on the obverse and the star is in left field on the reverse. However, the annulet below the throne firmly places the coin in this group. RIC notes other coins with variant placings of mint marks in the series but has not assigned them unique RIC numbers.
UPDATE: Ian Carradice has assigned this variant its own RIC number 1463A in the upcoming addenda.
The coin needs a bit more cleaning but I shall leave it as is. The major devices and mint marks are quite visible and the dirt is not too distracting, IMHO.
David Atherton
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RIC 1460 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.35g
Ephesus Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR COS III; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA-AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, star
RIC 1460 (R2). BMC 477. RSC 39a. RPC 856 (2 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
This reverse type (shared with Vespasian), a common issue at Rome and to some degree Ephesus, is rare with the star mint mark. The Eastern denarii are usually done in a fine style and are very distinct from the much more abundant Rome issues. Here we see Titus gazing heavenwards, a trait of this particular series. Another group minted around the same time used annulets as mint marks along with the star. The star alone rates an R2 in RIC.
Perhaps a bit worn with a few stains, but IMHO a handsome example from this very rare series.David Atherton
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RIC 1459 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.93g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR COS III; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AVG and star in oak wreath
RIC 1459 (R2). BMC plate 17.6. RSC 21. RPC 855 (2 spec.). BNC 369.
Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, Harry N. Sneh Collection, lot 428. Acquired from Freeman and Sear, 2010 (A. Lynn Collection). Ex Gorny and Mosch 126, 14 October 2003, lot 2353.
According to the Gemini catalog listing of this coin, one of only 5 known specimens, so very rare indeed. Same dies as the BMC plate coin and same obverse die as my V1460.
Another wonderful portrait from the artistically pleasing Ephesus mint. Titus here exhibits a slight heavenward gaze. David Atherton
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RIC 1457 Vespasian OverdateAR Denarius, 3.33g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., star
RIC 1457 (C). BMC 475. RSC 277. RPC 853 (10 spec.). BNC 368.
Acquired from Beast Coins, March 2011.
The obverse is a die match to the RIC plate coins 1457 and 1458. Interestingly, 'COS V' appears to be engraved over an earlier date (COS IIII).
Wonderful Ephesus style portrait on the obverse.David Atherton
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RIC 1456 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.35g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, star
RIC 1456 (R). BMC p. 99. RSC 68. RPC 852 (5 spec.). BNC -.
Ex CNG E263, 31 August 2011, lot 313.
A Ceres type from one of the last regular denarius issues struck at Ephesus. It copies a similar design minted at Rome, distinguished here by an ornate high back chair.
Despite this denarius having a few flaws and a cracked flan, the major devices are intact and the details of the reverse are quite well preserved, especially the cornucopiae and the poppies.
David Atherton
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RIC 1455 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.86g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG and star in oak wreath
RIC 1455 (R2). BMC p. 99 note. RSC 39, RPC 851 (1 spec.). BNC 367.
Acquired from Pars Coins, October 2009.
A rare type to be sure, but it was the portrait that caught my eye. A beautiful example of what Ephesus seemed to produce almost effortlessly.
NB: The type is supposed to have a star within the wreath, I can't see one. Perhaps it has worn completely away?
David Atherton
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RIC 1453 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.01g
Ephesus mint, 73 AD (Late)
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS IIII TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, star
RIC 1453 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. RPC 850 (1 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Den of Antiquity, eBay, June 2013.
A very rare Ephesus Group 7 denarius from 73 AD. This series has the rare COS IIII date minted very late in the year. Including my example, there are seven specimens of the Ceres seated type I know of (Coincidentally, Lucas posted one a week ago). As a historical reference, the siege of Masada took place earlier in the year and Vespasian and Titus assumed a joint censorship.
The coin needs a bit more cleaning, but I'm leaving it as is because it looks wonderful, IMHO.David Atherton
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RIC 1452 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.09g
Ephesus mint, 73 AD (late)
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS IIII TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG and star in oak wreath
RIC 1452 (R3). BMC -. RSC -, RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 115. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz, eBay, 13 September 2012.
An exceedingly rare Ephesian COS IIII denarius. RIC cites just one specimen (from different dies) of this AVG in oak wreath variety from a private collection. This is undoubtedly the scarcest issue struck for Vespasian at Ephesus, likely due to production spanning just a few weeks or days at the end of 73 just prior to Vespasian becoming COS V on 1 January 74. David Atherton
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RIC 1447 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.91g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: DOMITIANVS CAESAR AVG F; Bust of Domitian, cuirassed, seen from front, Medusa head on breast of cuirass, fold of cloak on left shoulder, head bare, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding wreath extended in r. hand and palm over l. shoulder. EPHE lower r.
RIC 1447 (R). BMC 472. BNC 365. RSC 336. RPC 848 (4 spec.).
Ex Solidus 105, 13 September 2022, lot 406.
For Domitian's first imperial coinage issue at Ephesus special treatment was given regarding the bust type. The engravers depicted him cuirassed with a cloak draped over his left shoulder. Vespasian and Titus were not engraved so elaborately (although at Antioch Titus's bust is draped). Why this is so is a mystery. Unusually Domitian shares the same reverse types as Vespasian and Titus in this series, unlike at Rome where he largely had his own unique types. This PACI AVGVSTAE type is one of the scarcer ones stuck for the young Caesar.David Atherton
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RIC 1446 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.04g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: DOMITIANVS CAESAR AVG F; Bust of Domitian, cuirassed, seen from front, Medusa head on breast of cuirass, fold of cloak on left shoulder, head bare, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, EPHE
RIC 1446 (C). BMC 470. RSC 38. RPC 847 (10 spec.). BNC 363.
Acquired from Lucernae, eBay, January 2015.
In Domitian's first imperial coinage issue he was given special treatment regarding the bust type chosen. The engravers at Ephesus depicted him cuirassed with a cloak draped over his left shoulder. Vespasian and Titus were not engraved so elaborately (although at Antioch Titus' bust is draped). Why this is so is a mystery. Unusually Domitian shares the same reverse types as Vespasian and Titus in this series, unlike at Rome where he largely had his own unique types. This Ceres reverse is probably the most common of his Ephesus denarii.
A worn coin to be sure, but the handsome bust shines through the wear. David Atherton
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RIC 1445 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.01g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: DOMITIANVS CAESAR AVG F; Bust of Domitian, cuirassed, seen from front, Medusa head on breast of cuirass, fold of cloak on left shoulder, head bare, r.
Rev: AVG and EPHE in oak wreath
RIC 1445 (R). BMC 469. RSC 22. RPC 846 (4 spec.). BNC 362.
Ex CNG E88, 14 September 2011, lot 1302.
Minted in 71 AD, this denarius is part of the first series ever issued for Domitian. The draped and cuirassed bust type chosen here is unusual for the Flavian era...one wonders why it was used only for Domitian and not Vespasian or Titus. The reverse is a standard type shared with Vespasian and Titus at Ephesus.
I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to obtain a Domitian as Caesar denarius from Ephesus, these are wonderful coins.
David Atherton
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RIC 1444 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.42g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r; below EPHE
RIC 1444 (R2). BMC p. 98 note. RSC 127. RPC 845 (0 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from Ephesus Numismatics, April 2010.
The reverse features a turreted female bust, most likely Tyche with the attributes of a City Goddess. Here she is symbolic of the world peace Vespasian has inaugurated after the recent Civil War and revolts in Judaea and Batavia. The type was also struck for Vespasian and Domitian as Caesar and is one of the more fascinating reverses minted at Ephesus.
David Atherton
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RIC 1442 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.38g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PACI - AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., EPHE
RIC 1442 (R). BMC 468. RSC 125. RPC 844 (5 spec.). BNC 361.
Ex CNG E260, 20 July 2011, lot 469. Ex Gorny and Mosch 170, 13 October 2008, lot 2068. Ex Gorny & Mosch 142, 10 October 2005, lot 2392.
The obverse is slightly off center but contains a wonderful portrait. David Atherton
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RIC 1441 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.23g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, bare, bearded, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., EPHE
RIC 1441 (R2). BMC p. 98 note. RSC 124. RPC 838 (1 spec.). BNC 360.
Acquired from Beast Coins, August 2010.
A most rare denarius from Ephesus with a bare headed portrait.
The entire series itself is rare, but the bare headed portraits are even scarcer. I'm not sure what the rarity ratio is between the two types....10 to 1? At any rate, this coin is both an obverse and reverse die match with the RIC plate coin.
David Atherton
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RIC 1440A Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.69g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI E (sic); Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, EPHE
RIC 1440A. BMC 467 var. (rev. legend engraver's error). RSC 39 var. (same). RPC 843 var. (same). BNC 358 var. (same).
Ex Gemini X, 13 January 2013, Harry N Sneh Collection, lot 742. Acquired from Ponterio, c. 2003.
This denarius features an engraver's error in the obverse legend. Instead of ending in the normal F the engraver mistakenly engraved an E. It is also an obverse die match to the unique British Museum aureus RIC V1437. A wonderful example of aurei and denarii sharing dies! The coin has been assigned by Carradice as V1440A (obv 2B) in the upcoming RIC II addenda.
Not only is this coin interesting for the engraver's error and die link - it's also in excellent style with an outstanding portrait. Truly a gorgeous coin.
David Atherton
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RIC 1440 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.27g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, EPHE
RIC 1440 (R). BMC 467. RSC 39. RPC 843 (4 spec.). BNC 358.
Ex Gemini X, 13 January 2013, Harry N. Sneh Collection, lot 741.
Another great portrait of the young Titus from this artistically pleasing mint. The reverse is one shared with Vespasian.
An obverse and reverse die match to the RIC plate coin, perhaps an indication of its rarity.David Atherton
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RIC 1436 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.89g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG and EPHE in oak wreath
RIC 1436 (R2). BMC 464. RSC 23. RPC 841 (3 spec.). BNC 357.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
An extremely rare Titus Caesar Ephesian denarius. The AVG in wreath with the EPHE mintmark is only known from a handful of specimens.
The portrait has an almost Otho-like quality to it, especially the hair. Another variant of the type is bareheaded.David Atherton
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RIC 1434 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.28g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Bust of woman, draped, wearing crown of towers, r.; EPHE in l. field
RIC 1434 (R). BMC 459 var. (rev. mintmark right). RSC 293 var. (same). RPC 835 var. (same). BNC 356 var. (same).
Acquired from Künker, June 2016. Ex Nudelman Numismatica Auction 10, 13 June 2011, lot 46.
RIC, alone among the major references, assigns a separate catalogue number to this rare variant with the mint mark behind the reverse bust. It's much more common to find the mint mark below bust. This variant seems to have been struck at a ratio of 1:10 compared with the common variety. A reverse type not struck at Rome.
Fantastic portraits in superb Ephesian style.
David Atherton
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RIC 1433 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.30g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r.; below, EPHE
RIC 1433 (C). BMC 459. RSC 293. RPC 835 (14 spec.). BNC 356.
Ex Paganecoins, eBay, c. 2005.
This reverse from Asia Minor celebrates the Pax Romana Vespasian brought to the world. Perhaps the female figure is Cybele, the Great Earth Mother.
Not a coin you come across often. Very sharp and clear with some minor wear on the high points of the obverse.David Atherton
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RIC 1432 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.29g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. l., with wreath and palm; at lower l., EPHE
RIC 1432 (R2). BMC p. 96, *. RSC 281. RPC 834 (2 spec.). BNC 354.
Acquired from Pavlos S. Pavlov, May 2018.
Victory advancing left was a commonly struck reverse type at Ephesus up until Vespasian's COS III issue. From this issue going forward, the mint favoured the Victory advancing right and sparingly struck the advancing left variant. As a matter of fact, the left Victory virtually disappears by the time the COS V issue was produced. So, a very rare type for COS III - just 2 Victory left specimens versus 14 right specimens cited in RPC.
Fabulous Ephesian style!
David Atherton
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RIC 1431 Vespasian CountermarkedAR Denarius, 3.06g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD; Countermarked under Vespasian at Ephesus, circa 74-79 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; c/m: IMP·VES (ligate)
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding wreath extended in r. hand and palm over l. shoulder. EPHE lower r.
RIC 1431 (C). BMC 457. RSC 276. RPC 833 (14 spec.). BNC 352; c/m: GIC 839
Acquired from Ancient Imports, November 2016.
In the mid to late 70's AD, Ephesus stamped older, worn Republican and early Imperial denarii circulating in the region with the IMP·VES countermark. Here is an exceptionally rare appearance of that Vespasian countermark on a denarius struck for Vespasian. I know of less than half a dozen other Vespasianic denarii similarly stamped. Of course the coin does not require any such countermark, therefore it is a remarkable mint error. The terminus post quem for the countermarking is 74, based on the discovery of another Vespasian countermarked Ephesian denarius dated COS IIII (CNG 78, lot 1753). RPC speculates that these countermarked coins represent a later 'issue' of silver from Ephesus struck sometime after 74 and before Vespasian's death in 79.
The mint workers applying the countermark were kind enough not to obliterate the portrait. David Atherton
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RIC 1431 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.39g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding wreath extended in r. hand and palm over l. shoulder. EPHE lower r.
RIC 1431 (C). BMC 457. RSC 276. RPC 833 (14 spec.). BNC 352.
Ex Paganecoins, eBay, c. 2005.David Atherton
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RIC 1430 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.10g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS; Titus and Domitian veiled, togate, stg. front (heads l.), each with a patera; in exergue, EPHE
RIC 1430 (C). BMC 456. RSC 250. RPC 832 (10 spec.). BNC 349.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, January 2012.
I bought this for the portrait (and I needed this type with the EPHE mint mark), and what a portrait it is! Vespasian is shown here with his lips slightly parted as if he is about to speak, the eyes look alive, and the portrait with its bull neck and high forehead exudes an air of confidence. The reverse on the other hand looks a bit rough - it's off center and so worn poor Titus and Domitian are faceless, Titus looking more worse for wear. Still, enough is left of the engravers hand to see the stylish drapery of the robes and the regal stance of the two princes.
A truly great mint's artistic brilliance will shine through even on worn examples, this coin I believe illustrates the point perfectly.
David Atherton
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RIC 1428 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.07g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, EPHE
RIC 1428 (C). BMC 453. RSC 67. RPC 830 (12 spec.). BNC 343.
Acquired from Rutten and Wieland, March 2008.
The Eastern denarii of Vespasian are one of my favorite issues. Even though style wise this coin is of average quality for Ephesus, it would be above average for Rome. A truly fine denarius with excellent detail in the chair.David Atherton
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RIC 1427 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.34g
Ephesus Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG and EPHE in oak wreath
RIC 1427 (C). BMC 451. RSC 40. RPC 829 (16 spec.). BNC 341.
Acquired from Akropolis Coins, February 2008.
An excellent example of Ephesus Flavian coinage. A banker's mark is in the obverse right field.David Atherton
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RIC 1426(5A)Unlisted Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.78g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AVG in oak-wreath, no mint mark
Cf. RIC 1426(5A)4/1426(5A)1. BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from André Cichos, September 2023. Ex Olympus Numismatik Auction 2, 2 April 2023, lot 271.
A unique and unpublished Titus Caesar AVG in oak wreath denarius from Ephesus struck without a mintmark. This reverse type was previously only attested for the no mintmark issue from an extremely rare Vespasian denarius (recorded in the Addenda as RIC 1426(5A)1). The Ephesian denarius issues struck under Vespasian all have mintmarks, save for the first issue and this tiny issue dated COS III, which is not represented in the new RIC II.1. Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:
'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'
I lean towards iii being the likeliest option - if accidental, why do we not see no mintmarks specimens throughout the series? Why are they only dated COS III? IMHO, the likeliest explanation is the no mintmark denarii were deliberately struck, albeit rather briefly (perhaps only for a few days), prior to or just after the COS III ΘΥ issue and before the much larger EPH issue was struck.
NB: This coin shares an obverse die with my RIC 1426(5A)4 denarius.David Atherton
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RIC 1426(5A)4 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.78g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r., no mint mark
RIC 1426(5A)4. BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
This coin should have the EPHE mint mark on the lower left of the reverse, however it is clearly not there. It has been added to the Flavian RIC II.1 Addenda's fledgling no mintmark issue.
NB: This coin is a reverse die match with my RIC 1426(5A)3.
David Atherton
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RIC 1426(5A)3 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.25g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r.; no mintmark
RIC 1426(5A)3 (R3). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, May 2019.
This is an extremely rare denarius from Ephesus struck without a mintmark and the second known example of the Turreted female bust type lacking one. The Ephesian denarius issues struck under Vespasian all have mintmarks, save for the first and one tiny issue dated COS III. Aside from this turreted female type and the accompanying footnote, this issue is not represented in the new RIC II.1. Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:
'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'
IMHO, either ii or iii are the most likely option. There are specimens from this non-mintmark issue (such as the present coin) that have no available space on the flan for a mintmark, thus, one was never intended either deliberately or accidentally. No mintmarks occur on various dies spanning different reverse types for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar, because of this I lean more towards this being intentional.
Struck in high relief with the reverse slightly off centred.
NB: This coin shares a reverse die with my Titus Caesar example of the type.
David Atherton
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